Seamer Doug Bracewell will be added to New Zealand's squad for the third Test against England if he can prove he is match fit, coach Mike Hesson said Tuesday.

Bracewell missed the first two Tests, earning a reprimand from management after he cut his foot while cleaning up broken glass after a house party earlier this month.

Hesson said the 22-year-old would be confirmed in the squad if he came through a one-day domestic fixture in Christchurch on Wednesday unscathed.

"Doug's availability creates a real battle for spots for this deciding Test against England," he said.

"It also helps to manage the workload for a group of bowlers who have carried a heavy load during the first two Tests."

Whether Bracewell breaks into the playing XI is another matter after captain Brendon McCullum on Monday expressed a preference for sticking with the team that earned draws against England in Dunedin and Wellington.